A man has been jailed for 11 years after being convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl.

Delshad Mohammed, 25, attacked the teenager at his flat in Stanley Road, Hastings, in June 2011.

Investigations during the summer of 2011 led to Mohammed's arrest, but he denied rape and claimed he had never met the victim.

The victim withdrew her complaint but in March 2012 she approached police again to renew her allegation after deciding it was the right thing to do.

This led to Mohammed being re-arrested in May 2012 on the basis of new evidence.

He was forensically linked to the attack and in June 2013, he was formally charged with rape.

Mohammed continued to deny the offence, only later admitting he had been with the victim but then claiming the encounter had been consensual.

Mohammed, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by Judge Michael Lawson at Lewes Crown Court on May 8.

Hastings district commander, Chief Inspector Paul Phelps, said: “ I would like to pay tribute to the young woman  for her courage in coming forward and for pursuing the complaint.

"I would also like to commend the officers involved in investigating this case for their diligence in securing justice for the victim.

"We will always make thorough enquiries into any allegation of crime brought to our attention, and would encourage anyone to have confidence in contacting the police whatever their concerns."